Ciao, amici italofili

Thought it was about time I got round to introducing myself, as I've been posting replies for a month or two.I admit to a lifetime's love-hate relationship with Italy and all things Italian. I was Head of Italian at a University in the north of England for many years, so have had frequent extended stays in the past, with all the fun and fustrations you all know that can bring.Once I got my little house in Abruzzo last year, to use as a base for my Italian courses and workshops (do send me a private message if you're interested), I found lots of helpful info on this site. A whole new area of Italian culture has opened up for me since I became a second home owner!!I'd worked with people from lots of areas in Italy, but knew Abruzzo very little and I'm finding it such a joy - lots of space, great scenery, empty motorways, fewer mosquitos and not many tourists, althought George Clooney has discovered my favourite village restaurant after his recent filming in the area. I couldn't get a table there last week, as the cast and crew had taken the restaurant over. Harrumph!Anyway, I look forward to continued exchanges of information and wish you all buone cose.Salutoni